Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern to support energy systems at the North Energy Exchange Center. This full-time internship provides hands-on experience with advanced energy systems, such as OSIsoft PI data historian.

The ideal candidate will be a junior or above in Facilities Management or related fields, with strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The role involves a mix of outdoor and indoor tasks, requiring physical capability.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
• Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation.
• Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping.
• Support integration of the North Energy Exchange Center into the Energy Command Center.
• Support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns.
• Help with installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
• Participate in potable water distribution flushing.
• Work alongside the backflow technician during testing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Database experience

Programming experience

Thermodynamics knowledge

Energy systems knowledge

Data visualization familiarity

Education

Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or related field

Job description

Title: Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services

Department: Facilities & Campus Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Energy Systems Integration Intern will support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. This role provides hands‑on experience with advanced building energy systems, including OSIsoft PI data historian and Johnson Controls Metasys building management systems. The intern will assist in developing tools, dashboards, and analytics that improve system performance, reliability, and visualization.

Essential Functions

• Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation of findings.
• Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping with guidance.
• Support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. Investigate the OSI Pi Vision software.
• Support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns.
• Help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
• Participate in potable water distribution flushing.
• Work alongside the backflow technician during testing and inspections.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
• Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $20